City Writing Contest Winners Honored

The City of Surprise and the City of El Mirage partnered with Dysart Unified School District to invite students in grades 3-12 to participate in the 5th annual writing competition.  Traditionally an essay contest, this year’s challenge took a more modern approach as students were challenged to write a video script that would be 30-90 seconds in length when filmed.  The prompts for the scripts were, “Why I love El Mirage” and “Why I love America” in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

El Mirage Mayor Alexis Hermosillo and Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor along with council members and library volunteers had the honor of selecting the winners. Scripts were evaluated on their message, creativity/originality, writing quality, visual thinking, and length/timing.

Winners from the City of Surprise were selected in grade bands.  They were honored at the Surprise City Council Meeting on April 21, 2026 where they received a certificate and an America 250 Commemorative Coin. 

The City of Surprise winners were Carmen Alyssa Pollick from Asante Preparatory Academy for the 3-5 grade category.  Andy Arroyo from Canyon Ridge School placed first for the 6-8 grade category.  He wrote, “With Freedom comes responsibility. Respecting others and using our rights wisely helps protect freedoms for future generations.”

Teagan Willis-McBeath from Dysart High School won first place for the 9-12 grade category for celebrating the opportunities the City of Surprise and America provide, saying, “Education is the cornerstone of progress. With each generation gaining access to better learning and more opportunities, we’re empowering them to excel and innovate. This isn’t just about personal success; it’s about building a brighter, more informed society.” 

Winners from the City of El Mirage were also selected in grade bands and additionally recognized second and third place winners.  These students were recognized at the City of El Mirage City Council Meeting on April 21, 2026, where they were presented with certificates and ribbons. 

For grades 3-5, first place was awarded to Kenzie Johnson and Lucas Dobos, who has this to say about their hometown, “[We] love El Mirage because even though we have a small city, we have a huge community with our neighbors and friends. We all work together to make our city the best it can be!”

Alexia Espinoza and Mia Espinosa placed second, and Billiabella Leyena and Nina Marmullaku rounded out the category placing third.  All three teams are from El Mirage Elementary School.   

For grades 6-8, first place was awarded to Xavier Chavez, who said of the project, “I realized how nice the El Mirage community is, and I started to attend events and interact with my community because the community made me feel good about me being who I am.”  

Trevor Scoles took second place, and Genesis Cottrell placed third.  All three submissions were from Riverview School.

At the high school level, first place was awarded to Othoniel Cida Valdez from Dysart High School, second place went to Ricardo Cano, also from Dysart High School, and Hayden Olson from Valley Vista High School placed third.

In addition to being recognized at their respective city council meetings, all first place winners received gift cards provided by the Dysart Educational Foundation.   

Danielle Edgerton coordinated the dual city script contest with support from teachers, administrators, and city leadership.  “It has been such a rewarding experience to partner with both the City of Surprise and the City of El Mirage to honor our scholars and writers,” said Edgerton.  “The scripts submitted by all of the students were sincere celebrations of their schools and communities.”

To watch a recording of the City Council meetings, click the buttons below.  Presentation of Awards for the City of El Mirage begins at the 8:00 mark.  Presentation of Awards for the City of Surprise starts at the 9:00 mark.